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37% of SA water lost in poor urban infrastructure

Thirty-seven percent of South Africa’s water supply is lost in urban infrastructure.

This is one of the findings in the GreenCape Water Market Intelligence Report 2017.

Alan Winde, Minister of Economic Opportunities, launched the report, in partnership with GreenCape, during First Thursday at the Ministry of Economic Opportunities this evening (2 March 2017).

Minister Winde said: “Our current water situation is severe; the Western Cape is experiencing its worse drought in 100 years. GreenCape’s 2017 Water Market Intelligence Report provides a detailed overview on water use and projections for demand. Apart from us all playing a role in saving water, the current situation also calls for innovative approaches from the public and private sector. The report shows us that 37% of water is lost in urban infrastructure through leaks; we simply cannot afford this. GreenCape’s research shows that 96% of companies have reported water as a direct risk to their operations. In addition to working hard to save our water, we must also view these challenges as opportunities. For instance, we see the market for recycled industrial water is R600 million and growing rapidly.”

Raymond Siebrits, Water Sector Desk at GreenCape said: “The current water challenges we are facing at present an opportunity for households, businesses and industry to invest in water solutions that not only help you immediately, but also allow for resource and money savings in the years to come. There are clear business cases to invest in water reuse, resource efficiency and circular economy solutions for water. At GreenCape we see water constraints as opportunities for the green economy. South African water service and technology providers are able to meet these market needs – one just needs to know where to look.”

Key trends in the report includes:

The market for industrial water reuse in the Western Cape is R600 million and is expected to grow rapidly;

The direct potable municipal reuse market is estimated at R4.5 billion in the Western Cape;

In 2016, 94% of companies in the province reported water as a direct risk to their operations (the highest in the world);

South Africa’s annual average rainfall is 490mm in comparison to the global average which is 814mm;

Thirty-seven percent of water is being lost in urban infrastructure nationally through leaks, theft and poor billing

The programme for First Thursday also included an exhibition showcasing affordable and practical ways residents can save water at home.

Cape-based suppliers exhibited household water-savings technologies, including rain and greywater systems, and smart metering devices, which record water consumption, allow for digital control, and help detect leaks.